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A design survey constructed to identify the role of organizational and design process differences that affect the use of ergonomic information in the design of the manual workspace was administered to 40 engineers in five companies, half of whom were employed in manufacturing or assembly industries, while the others were engaged in machine design and continuous processing activities. Ergonomic concerns pertaining to health, safety and operator feedback were evident especially at the plant level of design. Significant differences were recorded between division level and plant level design concerns regarding design information sources and objectives. At the plant level, workplace design differed from the division level in regard to several critical features, including the gathering of specific design information, operation, outcome and evaluation. Plant designers had little flexibility or money to change existing inadequate designs. Poor designs were perpetuated by poor interaction among division designers, plant engineers and operators. Although all 40 designers surveyed contributed significantly to the final design and implementation, none of them had the title of workspace designer. The authors conclude that hands on experience through short term workshops may be more effective than ergonomic awareness courses in reinforcing the cause and effect relationship of poor ergonomic design.